Last season, the injuries the Los Angeles Chargers faced across the offensive line were nearly impossible to overcome, especially with former first-round picks Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt both missing significant time due to injuries.

However, the Bolts prioritized bolstering the trenches through free agency and the NFL Draft, but more importantly, the Pro Bowl tackle tandem is expected to be ready to go by training camp.

Slater, a former All-Pro, missed the entirety of his fifth professional campaign after suffering a torn patellar tendon during an 11-on-11 drill at training camp when a teammate accidentally fell onto his leg.

During his latest season of play in 2024, Slater allowed just three sacks and 26 total pressures across 586 pass-blocking snaps while posting a career-high 89.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. He also recorded a career-high 90.9 overall offensive grade and an 82.3 run-blocking grade across 959 total snaps.

Slater’s return should provide Herbert with stability on the blind side and immediately improve the pass protection. He’s proven to be reliable and consistent throughout his career when healthy, and if the Chargers can get an in-form Slater this season, it would be a major boost for the offense.

Alt missed five regular-season games during his second season while dealing with a pair of high ankle sprains. When available, Alt allowed just one sack and seven total pressures across 194 pass-blocking snaps. He earned a 79.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus across 312 total snaps, ranking 16th among 89 qualifying offensive tackles. His 82.3 pass-blocking grade ranked sixth at the position, while his 70.8 run-blocking grade ranked 30th.

That said, Alt played the majority of his snaps last season at left tackle due to the constant shuffling caused by injuries after playing exclusively at right tackle as a rookie. It will be interesting to see whether the one-year shift created a temporary roadblock in his development or simply gave him valuable experience that he can use to his advantage moving forward.

Either way, Alt is another proven pass protector who should make Herbert’s life much easier after a disastrous 2025 season across the offensive line. His versatility also gives the Chargers flexibility up front, which is something they lacked for stretches last season.

If both star offensive tackles can return to full health, Los Angeles could quickly re-establish one of the offensive line unites in the NFL and give Herbert the protection he's desperately needed to maximize the offense.